Absolutely blown away by Mt Hotham and surrounds, I fully intend to carve out more time in Victoria, it’s really not that far from Sydney, no further than a trip to Byron Bay, which Sydneysiders do every week without blinking an eye.
I’m a bit embarrassed that I had never ventured into the North Gippsland region of Victoria before. In my defence, I’m from the north coast of New South Wales, then settled in Sydney so my family’s summers have focused on beaches between the Gold Coast and Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Skiing is also a focus during our summer (in the Northern Hemisphere). Curiosity and glowing recommendations from mates led my husband and I to the Victorian High Alpine region over New Year’s 2025-2026.
First Impressions
Unlike other ski resorts like Thredbo or Perisher, Hotham’s accommodation options run along the mountain top ridgeline, with activities, like hikes, bike rides or winter snow skiing starting from the ‘top down’, rather from the mountain base ‘up’. This ridgetop centre of action offers breathtaking views all around and as far as the eye can see. The drive between Mt Hotham entrance and Dinner Plain (village) exit is dotted with opportunities to stop and admire the landscape, and learn about the region’s geological history, which is something I’m personally interested in. I was fascinated to discover that this Alpine area was once part of the ocean floor of Gondwanaland, shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions and tectonic activity eroded down to be the landscape we see today.
The Stats
Mt Hotham’s summit is 1862 metres above sea level and the alpine village itself sits around 1,750 metres. In comparison, Thredbo, NSW’s resort lifts go up to about 2,037 metres at the highest lifted point and village/base area sits around 1,365 metres. Perisher (NSW’s top elevation is 2,034 metres at the highest point served by lifts with base elevation is 1,720 metres. From Mt Hotham’s village base you can see Mt Buller, Mt Buffalo and overlook many state forests in the region, if you love looking at views as you walk on either side of the ridgeline.
The Action
In the summer, Mount Hotham transforms into a hiker’s paradise. The trails range from short, easy walks of about 20 to 30 minutes to more challenging hikes that take six to eight hours. One notable trail at Dinner Plain, the Dead Timber Trail, begins just a short drive from the village and showcases the resilience of the snow gums, after the most recent bushfire. These snow gums, I learnt, are thicker at the base and taper off as they grow taller, an adaptation to the harsh alpine conditions as to not waster energy – very clever.
Short/Day Walks (easy to moderate)
Summit Walk – gentle alpine walk to summit views.
Mt Higgi Lookout Loop – alpine loop with panoramic views.
Edelweiss Trail – A steep winding option on the Huts Walk circuit.
Little Mt Higginbotham – short walk to views near the village.
Christmas Hill Trail – short forest/grassland walk.
Possum Flat/Dargo Loop – short loop behind public shelter and it’s great for kids and picnics.
Longer/Mid-Distance Walk
Mt Loch Summit Walk – around 6.9 km return with expansive views.
The Huts Walk – alpine heritage trail , three alpine huts with varied histories in one day (11–18 km).
Brabralung Trail – one-way trail toward Dinner Plain (12 km).
Cobungra Ditch Walking Track – historic mining trail with scenery.
Extended & Iconic Multi-Day Routes
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing – 37 km one-way multi-day hike.
Razorback to Mt Feathertop – classic alpine summit adventure (long).
Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) section – major wilderness trail passing Mt Hotham.
Easy Family Friendly walks are Summit Walk, Mt Higgi Lookout, Possum Flat.
Moderate / Day Hikes: Mt Loch Summit, The Huts Walk, Brabralung Trail.
Hard / Multi-Day: Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, Razorback to Mt Feathertop.
Many of these are multi-use trails that extend beyond the resort boundary into Alpine National Park but they’re all typically included in the Mt Hotham Tracks & Trails maps and promoted as part of the area’s hiking network. mthotham.com.au
We only did one walk as we were doing a ‘bit of everything’ in the region, and that included some 4WD tracks in nearby State forests, visiting local towns like Bright and Harrietville and swimming in watering holes and creeks but we have earmarked Mt Hotham for next time to base ourselves at and do more walks. Mount Hotham’s blend of alpine beauty and outdoor activities makes it a destination that invites you to fall in love with the mountains and we came away absolutely impressed.
